They were originally a war-like race, but decided it was inefficient and turned to commerce, creating the Company. Their databases contained information on Gallifrey (which they did not consider a viable market for their consumer products) and knew of the Doctor's acts of "economic subversion". (TV: The Sun Makers)

At some time much later, the Company moved humans to Mars after Earth became uninhabitable from pollution. The humans were nearly taxed to death. When Mars also became uninhabitable, they moved the humans to Pluto and set up six artificial suns. They drugged the humans, exploited them and taxed them ruthlessly under the leadership of the Collector. (TV: The Sun Makers)